**FINISHED!** 2020 C8 Corvette 1/24 scale

[Joel_W]

ajm,
I'm with you as I'd love to have the new C8R GTLM winning car from yesterday's Rolex 24 by Nunu or any of the other top companies. Of course I'm not holding my breath for a 1/24 scale injected molded plastic kit of the winning or for that matter any DPI car, let alone a LMP2 or 3 car either. One thing for sure is that these prototype classes now have the absolutely ugliest cars that I've ever seen.

Joel

[Chris K. Hale]

Are you using a self etching Primer or a spot filler primer? I know I have used both on metal and the self etching metal primer, I used the Tamiya which is Clear? and got a great result.. it tends to fill and smooth the die cast metal better. Chris

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  When you look at your primer and can truly say "I can leave it like that without paint",  then you can consider getting ready to paint.







Thanks,
Ismael

[clowncar]

You are a very dangerous man.

[Joel_W]

Ismael,
That's about the feeling I hope to get once I rub out my primer coats. Took a long time for me to learn how to air brush my thinned out primer so I can eventually get it to that standard.

My brother gave me a bottle of Scalefinishes Gray primer which is pre-thinned like his paints as he decided to go back into aircraft modeling once again. Just not so sure how such a thinned out primer coat will work compared to my own mix. On the other hand, if it's as good as his paints for coverage, I could go broke buying it.

Joel

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  Back home after a few days out of town taking care of my father.   First 2 light coats of color. Many more coats to come. Looking much better now. 










And a quick picture in bright sunlight.  The color here looks closer to actual.  This color is gorgeous but hard to nail white balance in artificial light. 




Thanks,
Ismael

[Joel_W]

Ismael,
looking real good.

Could you explain your painting procedures. I usually do about 4-5+ coats all with just 3-5 min between coats, and a final really thinned wet coat. From what you've posted, you paint over several sessions. Do you do anything to each coat before the next coat?

Joel

[tatocorvette]

Hi Joel,

Because I've always been in a hectic life, I need to plan things in short quick bursts.  That applies to my whole life, not only this hobby    
I started airbrushing in the early 90's and by the late 90's I discovered lacquer.  Since I have always work far from home (at least 1 hr commute each way) I came up with a process of prepping the bodies for paint the night before, do a quick coat very early in the morning before heading out to work, and repeat for several mornings.  So I ended up doing a coat a day for 4 - 5 days. Sometimes it took a few weeks for 4 - 5 coats as I didn't always had the time in the morning.  I remember discussing it with Cobra Colors back in 2001.  Since lacquer dries very fast, this should not be a problem. And it hasn't.   I don't touch it between coats.  If color sanding is needed, I'd do it at the end followed by another color coat.  Similarly, I'd wait a week or so before doing the same process with 3 - 4 coats of clear.  Hope this helps!

Thanks,
Ismael

[Joel_W]

Ismael,
I see. So it's more out of necessity then procedure if you had the time.

Still, it's the final results that count, and you're finishes all have been truly amazing.

joel

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

    We are now at 6 or 7 coats of paint.  Look how much paint has been used from the 2oz jar.  Now to let it dry and sit for about a week before a mild color sanding and the final coat of paint.






Thanks,
Ismael

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  Color sanded and last (hopefully) wet coat of paint.



Thanks,
Ismael

[Joel_W]

Ismael,
The paint application is just simply outstanding.

Joel

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

   When the paint was good enough that I could have skipped clear, then it was ready for clear. Done with 5 coats of Scalefinishes 500 series single stage clear.  Will let it rest for about a week before start polishing the heck out of it.










Thanks,
Ismael

[Joel_W]

Ismael,
The body looks great with the clear on. I always leave off the side mirrors out of fear of knocking one or both off, and not noticing it right away, and then it's lost forever to the Carpet Monster. But your way does allow for a more secure gluing options and even a added bottom pin and hole in the door.

Joel

[tatocorvette]

Hi Joel,

I hate those mirrors. They are cast into the doors. Remember this is still a diecast underneath. Did not bother since this was supposed to be just a "quick job".
But yes, I usually leave the mirrors out until final assembly.

Thanks,
Ismael